Il Duomo

I've only ever spent one night in Rimini, and that was sleeping on the motorway verge just outside the city, while hitchiking from Greece back to England. If I ever go back, I'd prefer to stay at the Duomo Hotel. It looks much more comfortable, and I suspect I won't be woken up at 6am by the blaring horn of an Italian truck.

Rimini was said to be an unlikely choice of location for a Ron Arad-designed hotel, but that makes it all the more intriguing. The Italian seaside resort is off the beaten track when it comes to trendsetting design. Well, at least, it was. The Duomo is getting rave reviews – being described as 'thrilling', 'dazzling' and 'seductive'.

It's full of metallic shapes (Arad's signature) and circles, lots and lots of them. From the giant metallic ring in the lobby, to round mirrors, Chinese-inspired red doors with peekaboo circles, and bathrooms with circular windows, it's positively Swiss-cheesy. But futuristic, interplanetary Swiss cheese.

Oh and if you like your toys… the bedrooms have giant flat screen TVs, internet, wifi, light dimmers and outside jacuzzis in mini gardens. Said Arad, 'I don't want to make people feel at home because they are not at home.' RM

In our travels, we have discovered modern vacation rentals and small hotels all over the world. From cool cabins and hip trailers to art hotels and mountain retreats, we’re sharing our discoveries with you. Travel by design and you’ll always be in style.